All Soccer News and Updates for Topic: Olympic Games 2024

Two of Europe’s heavyweight footballing nations clash once again, but this time an Olympic gold medal is up for grabs as hosts France meet Euro 2024 winners Spain with both looking to add another chapter to their illustrious histories. Thierry Henry’s French side negotiated a tricky match-up with Egypt at the semi-final stage, eventually running out 3-1 victors after extra time, to reach the final of this competition for the first time since winning it back in 1984 in Los Angeles.

Egypt finds themselves on the cusp of making history, aiming for their first-ever Olympic medal in men's football despite a heartbreaking 3-1 extra-time loss to France in the semi-finals. However, they face a psychological hurdle against Morocco, who defeated them in last summer's U23 Africa Cup of Nations final.

France secured their spot in the 2024 Olympic men's football semi-final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentina in a tense quarter-final. Jean-Philippe Mateta's early goal proved decisive, propelling the hosts to their first semi-final appearance since their gold medal win in 1984. However, the match was marred by post-game clashes, resulting in Enzo Millot's suspension.

Morocco has made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 Olympics football tournament, a feat they've never achieved before in the U23 format. Their impressive 4-0 victory over the USA in the quarter-finals has guaranteed them a shot at a medal, mirroring the success of their senior team in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

France, as the host nation, has made an impressive start to their Olympic campaign, securing top spot in Group A with a perfect record. Their 3-0 victory over New Zealand in the final group match highlighted their dominance, as they aim to become the third host nation to win gold since 1992.

Egypt secured their place in the quarter-finals with an impressive unbeaten run through Group C, culminating in a 2-1 victory over tournament favorites Spain. This marks their third consecutive appearance at this stage of the Olympic football tournament, as they aim for their first semi-final berth since 1964.

Japan enters the quarter-finals with an impeccable record, having won all three group stage matches without conceding a goal. Their recent 1-0 victory against Israel maintained their perfect defensive record and 100% win rate in Group D.

Morocco secured their first-ever spot in the Olympic men's football knockout stage, topping Group A after a convincing 3-0 victory over Iraq. Their impressive performance, including three goals within 17 first-half minutes, allowed them to edge out Argentina on head-to-head record.

Paraguay's dramatic 4-2 victory over Israel has put them in a strong position heading into the final group game. A draw would secure their place above Mali and advance them to the quarter-finals, though only a win guarantees progression after their 5-0 defeat to Japan in the opener.

Israel faces a challenging situation after their 4-2 defeat against Paraguay at the Parc des Princes. They enter the final group stage match at the bottom of Group D, needing a victory against table-topping Japan and favorable results elsewhere to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

The United States rebounded strongly from their opening 3-0 defeat against France, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over New Zealand. This impressive performance has put them in control of their qualification destiny for the knockout stages.

New Zealand's Olympic campaign has taken a dramatic turn. After a promising 2-1 victory over Guinea, they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against the USA, exposing their vulnerabilities against higher-quality opposition. This setback has put their qualification hopes in jeopardy as they prepare to face hosts France in their final group match.

Group B of the 2024 Olympic Games remains wide open, with all teams level on three points after two matches. Ukraine rebounded from their initial loss to Iraq with a remarkable 2-1 victory over Morocco, despite being reduced to ten men. This win showcases their resilience, although they'll miss midfielder Volodymyr Salyuk due to suspension following his red card.

Morocco finds themselves in a tense situation in Group B, deadlocked with Argentina and Ukraine on three points. The final group matches will determine who advances, with tiebreakers potentially coming into play if needed.

Spain, having secured victories in their first two Group C matches at the 2024 Olympics, have already guaranteed their place in the knockout stages. They currently lead the group and will maintain this position if they avoid defeat against underdogs Egypt in their final group game.

While the Dominican Republic made history by scoring their first-ever Olympic goal, they face a challenging path to the knockout stages after a 3-1 defeat to Spain. Los Quisqueyanos must secure a win against the already-eliminated Uzbekistan and hope for favorable results elsewhere to advance.

Japan kicked off their Olympic campaign with a stunning 5-0 victory over Paraguay, featuring braces from Shunsuke Mito and Shota Fujio. Captain Joel Fujita emphasized the importance of their opening match, but now the focus shifts to securing progression with a game to spare by winning against Mali.

France, one of the pre-tournament favorites, boosted their confidence in ending a 40-year Olympic men's football gold medal drought after routing the USA 3-0 on matchday one. Les Bleus have reached at least the quarter-finals in their two previous home Games, a feat they're likely to replicate with a win against Guinea.

New Zealand delivered one of the biggest shocks of the men's football tournament's opening day by securing just their second-ever Olympic victory, defeating Guinea 2-1. With a core group of players fresh from winning the OFC Nations Cup with the senior national team in June, the OlyWhites are now in a strong position where even a draw against the USA could see them reach the quarter-finals for a second consecutive time.

Israel's return to Olympic men's football after 48 years resulted in a 1-1 draw with Mali, leaving them still in search of their first tournament win since 1968. Despite this, Guy Luzon's men sit second in Group D after the opening round, aiming to replicate the country's quarter-final runs in their previous two Olympic appearances.

Uzbekistan's fans brought great colour and noise to day one of the Paris 2024 Olympics men's football tournament. Their team pushed Spain harder than expected before falling to a 2-1 defeat. While the White Wolves made a good impression during their Olympic debut, they now face pressure to secure points against Egypt to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Ukraine's excitement of their first Olympic Games appearance may have led to their 2-1 defeat against Iraq in their Group B opener, despite scoring first. They now face pressure to avoid an early exit as they prepare to face Morocco. Manager Ruslan Rotan, drawing from his 100 caps for the senior national side, will need to devise a winning strategy.

After the first round of fixtures, the Dominican Republic faces the longest odds of winning the men's football at the 2024 Olympic Games. They are set to take on second-favorites Spain in Bordeaux on Saturday. Los Quisqueyanos, making their Olympic debut, began their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Egypt on Wednesday. They remain in contention in Group C, with their final match against fellow newcomers Uzbekistan scheduled for next Tuesday.

To say that Argentina's opening match at the 2024 Olympics in Paris was eventful would be an understatement. The South American nation lost 2-1 to Morocco in one of football's most controversial fixtures in recent memory. After trailing by a goal heading into second-half stoppage time, Cristian Medina seemingly equalized in the 106th minute. However, fans stormed the pitch, forcing a temporary suspension of the game.

Host nation France enters the Olympic games with high spirits, having secured impressive friendly victories over Paraguay and Dominican Republic with an aggregate score of 11-1. This extended their unbeaten run to five matches (W3, D2), providing a solid foundation for iconic coach Thierry Henry to build upon.

Mali has consistently participated in the Summer Olympics since 1964, barring the 1976 Montreal games due to an African boycott. However, they've yet to secure a podium finish. Their only prior football participation in the 2004 Olympics saw them reach the quarter-finals after topping their group, setting a precedent they hope to surpass in Paris.

Japan has qualified for a record-breaking eighth successive Olympic Games, but faces challenges as they head to Paris. Star players like Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo and Parma's Zion Suzuki have been prevented from participating by their clubs. As a result, Go Oiwa has named an 18-man squad without a single over-23 player, with national team director Masakuni Yamamoto describing the selection process as "difficult".

After a stunning fourth-placed finish at the 2004 Olympics, Iraq have struggled to make an impact, failing to qualify in 2008, 2012, and 2020 while suffering elimination at the group stage in 2016. Motivated by past shortcomings, the Lions of Babylon aim to impress in Paris, having secured their spot by finishing third in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup earlier this year.

Guinea, the last team to qualify for the Olympic football tournament, is set to begin their first men's Olympic football campaign in 56 years. They face New Zealand, who will be participating in their fourth out of the last five Olympic Games. Despite being late qualifiers, Guinea is favored to start their campaign with a win.

Egypt, led by head coach Rogério Micale, who guided Brazil to Olympic glory in 2016, is aiming for their first-ever Olympic medal. Despite 12 previous attempts, with fourth-place finishes in 1928 and 1964 being their best results, expectations are high as they head to Paris.

Uzbekistan secured their historic first-ever Olympic Games qualification with a 2-0 victory over Indonesia in April. The White Wolves are set to begin their maiden campaign against tournament second-favorites Spain on Wednesday. With only Iraq, Dominican Republic, and New Zealand having longer odds, expectations for Uzbekistan are modest.

Football fans are in for an early treat as the Olympic Games football tournament kicks off before the opening ceremony. A thrilling Group B match between Argentina and Morocco is set to take place at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Both teams are expected to make their mark, with Argentina being second-favorites for the gold medal, while Morocco sits fourth according to most bookmakers.